Corn fertilization, crop markets and crop production research results will be featured topics at the 30th annual Western Dakota Crops Day, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Hettinger, N.D., Armory.

The wet conditions this past spring caused many fields to turn yellow early in the growing season, which is a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Dave Franzen, NDSU Extension Service soils specialist, will discuss why nitrogen transforms under wet soil conditions. He also will provide an update on NDSU's upcoming revised recommendations for managing nitrogen in corn.

"This topic is very timely, considering the increasing acres of corn in southwestern North Dakota and the fact that nitrogen is one of our most expensive inputs," said John Rickertsen, research agronomist at the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center and coordinator of the Western Dakota Crops Day.

Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension crops economist and marketing specialist, will give a presentation on why market prices are so volatile and an outlook on what commodity prices may do next year. The challenge for producers is to develop a marketing strategy that will generate a favorable net price, meet cash flow needs and limit risk exposure.

Results from crop production research in the western Dakotas will be presented by Pat Carr, NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center research agronomist; Roger Ashley, NDSU Dickinson REC area Extension cropping systems specialist; Chris Graham, South Dakota State University Extension agronomist; and Rickertsen.

Topics include updates on new crop varieties, new herbicides and other ongoing research projects.

The crops day will include commercial exhibits by several seed, chemical and agricultural service companies. The event is free and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Hettinger REC at (701) 567-4323.

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.